New boys – like Arya – Suryansh Shedge and Musheer Khan also come in for praise from the Punjab Kings head coach
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025
“Suryansh Shedge is someone who has been very impressive in our training so far” – Ricky Ponting•Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting is impressed with the young batters in his IPL 2025 squad, singling out opener Priyansh Arya, finisher (and medium-pace bowler) Suryansh Shedge, and 19-year-old batting allrounder Musheer Khan as the ones he is expecting good things from.”Priyansh Arya, I think, is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament,” Ponting said at an event in New Chandigarh. “Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting.”Left-hand batter Arya had first attracted attention when he thumped six sixes in an over in the Delhi Premier League. At the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, he scored 325 runs, with a century, at an average of 40.62 and a strike rate of 176.63. Arya is one of three opening batters in PBKS’ squad, the others being Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis.Related
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Like Arya, Shedge also had a successful SMAT last season. He had the highest strike rate (251.92) for any batter to have faced at least 50 balls in the tournament, with his cameos helping Mumbai successfully hunt down 230 (against Andhra) and 222 (against Vidarbha). Musheer, meanwhile, will be back in action after September 2024, when he suffered injuries in a car accident.”Suryansh Shedge is also someone who has been very impressive in our training so far,” Ponting said. “When I talk about energy and fun, another player that I am impressed with is Musheer Khan. He’s brought a lot to the group already. He has got an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and around the team so far, he’s been someone that I’ve really enjoyed working with.”PBKS, who had finished ninth last season and have never won the IPL title, start their campaign this season against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 25. Apart from having a new head coach in Ponting, PBKS also have a new captain in Shreyas Iyer. They had last made the IPL playoffs back in 2014, which is also the only time they got to the final.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said Sergio Busquets’ retirement announcement gives the Herons "extra motivation" to close the season strong and finish the Spanish midfielder’s career in the right way. Miami, who face Toronto FC on Saturday, have already clinched a playoff spot but are pushing to climb the standings.
AFPMascherano on his talk with Busquets
Mascherano shared details of his conversation with Busquets prior to the announcement that the Spanish star will hang up his boots and not renew with the club for next season.
“He told me yesterday – he’d been thinking about it for the past few weeks. It’s a shame because he’s still at a level where we can continue enjoying his game,” the Argentine manager said on Friday during a press conference. “As a friend who’s been through that moment, all you can do is support him and share your thoughts. Busi is completely convinced about his decision.”
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport“Hopefully it’s an extra motivation"
Mascherano praised Busquets’ football intelligence and even speculated about his future beyond the pitch.
“Busi is going to be a coach – when, how, and where will be up to him. I haven’t talked to him about whether he’ll return home or stay here in Miami,” he noted.
The Inter Miami coach also reminisced about their time together at Barcelona, where they formed one of the most solid midfields in the world.
“The nostalgia of those years is special. I was lucky to share almost eight seasons with him. I arrived to play the same position, but always knew he was the starter. In my early days, he helped me a lot. What we experienced at Barcelona was unique and unforgettable – it left a mark on all of our careers,” Mascherano said.
Mascherano hopes Busquets’ announcement serves as inspiration for the team as they chase the MLS Cup in the coming weeks.
“Hopefully, it’s an extra motivation to help Busi finish his career in the best possible way. This team thrives on challenges – it’s full of winners and competitors,” he said.
AFPTelasco shares intimate team moment with Busi
Telasco Segovia shared how the team experienced the moment Sergio Busquets announced his retirement.
“I was surprised by Busi’s decision; I didn’t know he was going to retire," Segovia said. "As a kid, I watched him play for Barcelona and dreamed of playing alongside him. I’m happy for everything he’s achieved. He gathered all of us and told us, and we were all shocked.”
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Javier Mascherano's team will fly to Canada Friday afternoon to face Toronto FC this Saturday.
As Nottingham Forest prepare for a first European campaign since 1995/96, will they make any more signings before the transfer window slams shut on 1 September?
So far, Brazilian duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha have arrived from Botafogo, Angus Gunn will be the new back-up goalkeeper and Dan Ndoye has joined from Bologna, the winger costing a reported fee of £35m.
However, having sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m, Nuno Espírito Santo will still want to add attacking talent to his squad this month, so do the Garibaldi Reds lead the chase to sign a highly-rated young talent?
Nottingham Forest's pursuit of a new winger
As Forest search for a new wide-attacker, it was reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic earlier this week that they’d had a £35m bid rejected by Ipswich Town for Omari Hutchinson.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The England under-21 international only made his move to Portman Road permanent from Chelsea 12 months ago, costing a reported £22m, so the Tractor Boys are demanding a higher fee.
With Brentford also interested, seeking a replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, journalist Graeme Bailey believes that a possible transfer tug-of-war could see Hutchinson move for in excess of £40m.
Thus, as Forest turn their attention to other targets, Football Insider’s Keith Wyness reports that they are in a ‘stronger position’ to sign James McAtee from Manchester City, valued at around £30m by the Sky Blues.
The report notes that a £25m bid was rejected earlier this summer, although Wyness believes a higher offer should see the deal finalised, with Pep Guardiola keen to move him on this summer.
Jordan Campbell of The Athletic notes that it is ‘expected’ that McAtee will be on the move this summer following a lack of first-team opportunities at the Etihad, so could he soon swap Man City for the City Ground?
What James McAtee would bring to Nottingham Forest
McAtee joined Manchester City at the age of 11, making his senior debut against Wycombe Wanderers in an EFL Cup tie four years ago.
Manchester City's James McAtee in action withTottenhamHotspur's Radu Dragusin,TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroandTottenhamHotspur's Rodrigo Bentancur
He first truly caught the eye during a two-season loan spell at Sheffield United, making 75 appearances for the Blades, including 30 in the Premier League, scoring 14 goals and registering eight assists.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout was certainly impressed, labelling him a “top talent”, adding that he is a “highly technical… advanced playmaker”, who possesses “electric pace” and “exceptional” creativity.
He then returned to Man City for the 2024/25 campaign, with manager Pep Guardiola noting that the youngster is “intelligent”, but used him very infrequently, with the table below documenting his frustrating year.
James McAtee 2024/25 season statistics
Statistics
McAtee
Appearances
27
Minutes
936
Starts
9
Goals
7
Apps 15 mins or fewer
10
PL starts
3
UCL starts
Zero
Times unused substitute
25
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, despite scoring seven goals in all competitions, including bagging an FA Cup hat-trick against Salford City, McAtee started just nine times all year, allowed to represent England at the under-21 Euros in Slovakia earlier this summer, rather than being involved at the Club World Cup.
Thus, back in January, James Ducker of the Telegraph reported that the ‘frustrated’ McAtee was pushing for a move to Bayer Leverkusen, only for Guardiola to refuse to sanction a sale, but surely the 22-year-old will move on this month.
The key question for Nottingham Forest supporters remains: would McAtee be a better signing than Hutchinson?
Well, let’s compare the duo to answer that question.
James McAtee 22/23 & 23/24 vs Omari Hutchinson 23/24 & 24/25
Statistics
McAtee
Hutchinson
Appearances
75
82
Minutes
4,316
5,167
Goals
14
14
Assists
8
8
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:
Expected goals
0.23
0.15
Expected assists
0.18
0.16
Progressive passes
3.29
3.01
Progressive carries
3.34
4.58
Goal-creating actions
0.31
0.32
Chances created
1.3
1.1
Big chances created
10
13
Big chances missed
4
6
Take-on success %
41.4%
39.8%
Touches
37
44
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com, Squawka and SofaScore
Worth stating first and foremost that the two timeframes chosen see both players spending the first season at a Championship club who were promoted, before representing the same side as they endured a miserable relegation from the Premier League, making the comparison as fair as possible.
Former Sheffield United loanee James McAtee.
With that in mind, remarkably, the pair scored the exact same number of goals and registered exactly the same number of assists, with Hutchinson doing so in around 850 more minutes on the pitch.
Their statistics are generally similar across the board when it comes to underlying metrics too, with McAtee coming out on top for progressive passes and chances created, while Hutchinson is the superior dribbler.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
Given Sheffield United’s style of play, McAtee saw seven fewer touches per game, thereby afforded fewer opportunities to show his quality, making his number all the more impressive.
Thus, if a deal for Hutchinson becomes prohibitively expensive, the out-of-favour Man City youngster would surely be an excellent addition for Forest.
Hudson-Odoi 2.0: Nottingham Forest in talks to sign "outstanding" £35m star
Nottingham Forest are targeting attacking reinforcements
Shoaib Bashir takes CWC Young Player; Sophie Ecclestone and Ryana MacDonald-Gay also among winners
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2024Gus Atkinson has been awarded the Bob Willis Trophy for England’s Player of the Year after a debut Test summer in which he collected 34 wickets as well as scoring his maiden hundred.Atkinson collected the award, voted for by members of the Cricket Writers’ Club, at the Kia Oval on Tuesday. The annual awards ceremony also saw Shoaib Bashir named NV Play Young Player of the Year, the latest winner of the CWC award dating back to 1950.Sophie Ecclestone won the JM Finn Women’s Cricket Award, while Ryana MacDonald-Gay was voted Emerging Cricketer. Liam Dawson, last month named the Professional Cricketers’ Association men’s player of the year, claimed the County Championship prize.”I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I’ve had, it’s a huge honour and to get this award at the end of it tops it off,” Atkinson said.”My debut, obviously taking 12 wickets was very special, and playing in Jimmy Anderson’s last Test was a big honour. Probably my favourite moment was that century against Sri Lanka.”Bashir has gone from virtual unknown to England’s first-choice spinner in the last 12 months, claiming three Test five-fors – including a match-winning haul in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. He picked up the prestigious CWC award for players under the age of 21 at the start of the summer.”Two years ago, I didn’t have a county,” Bashir said. “It’s been really special. With a lot of hard work, I’m thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue.”It was very special, first time I’d played at Trent Bridge. For me to take that last wicket and seal the deal to make it 2-0 in the series, it was one of the highlights of my season.”Other winners of the CWC awards included England Physical Disability opening batter Brendon Parr, who was presented with the Lord’s Taverners charity’s Disability Cricketer of the Year award.James Anderson and the cast of Tailenders took the Peter Smith Award for outstanding presentation of cricket to the public, and the Derek Hodgson Cricket Book of the year was won by David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts for.Cricket Writers’ Club chair Dean Wilson said: “Huge congratulations to all our award winners, reflecting another terrific year of cricket for all members of the media to cover.”At a time of unprecedented change in the game on and off the field, there are precious few opportunities to pause and reflect and honour the efforts of those who bring so much joy.”Whether it is the skill and guile of Sophie Ecclestone and Shoaib Bashir, or the excellence of Gus Atkinson or Brendon Parr, there has been much to admire. Long may that continue.”
India coach Gautam Gambhir has vehemently backed KL Rahul to come good amid mounting scrutiny on his recent form in Test cricket. After making a duck in India’s 46 all out in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test, Rahul was dismissed for 12 in the second as India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets.”You don’t pick players on social media because of social media or for that matter even what the experts are saying,” Gambhir said on while addressing Rahul’s form on the eve of the second Test in Pune. “What the team management thinks and what the leadership group thinks is very, very important. Ultimately, everyone is judged.”International cricket is all about being judged, to be honest, because everyone’s performance will be judged eventually. But I feel that he [Rahul] is batting really well. Obviously, he has had a decent knock in Kanpur [against Bangladesh] obviously, on a difficult wicket. And obviously, he played according to the plans as well. And I am sure, I think, he would also be knowing that he wants to score big runs and he has that capability of scoring runs. That’s why he has been backed by the team management.”While Rahul has built a strong body of work overseas – he has hundreds in South Africa, England and Australia – his average of 33.87 is the lowest among all specialist batters to have played at least 50 Tests for India.With Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test because of neck stiffness, set to bat at No. 3 in Pune, India will have to make a choice between Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test century in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz, who took a short break after the first Test because of the birth of his child, rejoined the India side and trained in Pune on Wednesday.While Sarfaraz might have the edge over Rahul after his 150 in Bengaluru, Gambhir did not reveal which way the team was leaning.0:54
Manjrekar: Feel sorry for Rahul, but he will have to make way for Gill
India also have another choice to make between left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav and offspin allrounder Washington Sundar, who was added to squad after the defeat in Bengaluru. Apart from boosting India’s spin stocks on a dry, black-soil surface, Washington could add depth to the batting line-up. In his most recent red-ball game, in the second round of the Ranji Trophy, he made 152 at No. 3 for Tamil Nadu against Delhi.”We just felt that probably they [New Zealand] have four or five left-handers in the playing XI,” Gambhir said of Washington’s inclusion in the squad. “That if we want to have another bowler who can take the ball away from the left-handers, it is always going to be useful for us. But we haven’t still decided what is going to be the playing XI.Related
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“We believe that probably there are two [left-hand] opening batters and Rachin [Ravindra] in the middle order. So, we feel that if Washy can give us more control in the middle, it is always going to be good for us.”While managing the workload of the fast bowlers remains a priority for India’s team management heading into a five-Test tour of Australia, Gambhir suggested it won’t be done when the series is on the line against New Zealand in Pune and when crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points are at stake. For India to seal their place in the WTC final, irrespective of other results, they need at least four wins and one draw (52 points) in their remaining seven Tests, which will give them 65.79 percentage points.Gambhir, though, said the team was monitoring the workload of Jasprit Bumrah, who has played each of India’s three Tests so far in this home season.”Once the [New Zealand Test] series is over, we still have around 10 or 12 days before the Test starts in Australia,” Gambhir said. “So, that’s enough break for our fast bowlers. But we will still monitor after the Test match where Jasprit Bumrah is. But it’s not only about Jasprit Bumrah. It’s about all the fast bowlers. We want to keep them fresh. We know that obviously we’ve got a long tour and an important tour of Australia.”But workload management will definitely depend on what the outcome of this Test match is and how much have they bowled in this Test match.”
كشفت تقارير صحفية فرنسية تطورات جديدة بشأن حالة المدرب الإسباني لويس إنريكي بعد تعرضه لحادث دراجة قوي يوم الجمعة 5 سبتمبر الماضي.
وبحسب “لوباريزيان” الفرنسية، فإن لويس إنريكي سيكون قادراً على قيادة باريس سان جيرمان من على دكة البدلاء أمام لانس يوم الأحد المقبل في الدوري الفرنسي على ملعب البارك دي برانس.
وفي حالة عدم وجود استشارة طبية، سيتمكن المدرب الإسباني بالفعل من استئناف دوره المعتاد كمدرب لباريس سان جيرمان في المباراة القادمة.
وكان لويس إنريكي والذي خضع لعملية جراحية يوم الأربعاء بعد تعرضه لكسر في عظمة الترقوة قد استغل فترة التوقف الدولي للتعامل بشكل أفضل مع هذه الإصابة.
أقرأ أيضاً.. بعد تتويجه بجائزة جديدة.. ديمبلي يوضح الفارق بين نسخته مع برشلونة والحالية في باريس
وسقط لويس إنريكي في الخامس من شهر سبتمبر الماضي من على دراجته في إسبانيا، وقد سارعت خدمات الطوارئ الإسبانية لإسعافه.
جدير بالذكر أن لويس إنريكي قد قاد باريس سان جيرمان الموسم الماضي لموسم استثنائي حقق فيه جميع الألقاب، وافتتح الموسم الجديد بلقب السوبر الأوروبي على حساب توتنهام بركلات الجزاء الترجيحية.
Chelsea are through to the last 16 of the Club World Cup and remain in contention to win the tournament, but off the field, BlueCo are making plans to reinforce Enzo Maresca’s squad further ahead of his second season in charge.
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New signing Liam Delap scored his first goal for the club during their 3-0 win over ES Tunis this morning, with their opponents failing to register a single shot on target as Tosin Adarabioyo and Tyrique George also rounded off a routine victory for the Blues.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chelsea will now face Portuguese heavyweights Benfica in the first knockout round, and there is every possibility that Maresca’s side can go on to lift the trophy whilst securing a massive £97 million financial windfall for the club.
“The performance, for me, was good,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s win over ES Tunis.
“It was not easy and until we scored the first goal, it was difficult to break their defensive line down. We were quite patient, and when we scored the first goal, the game became a little more open and a little easier for us.
“It’s impossible not to rotate players because playing every three days in these conditions means it’s not possible for them to play every game. The ones that played were good, and we’ve given some rest to Moi, Trev, Levi, Cucu, Cole, Pedro, many players. It’s important to recover the energy and try to win the next game.”
Chelsea have been plying their trade in near unplayable weather conditions, with the American heat causing major issues for Maresca’s side and other teams competing at the CWC.
To help lighten the load, Chelsea could take advantage of a unique player registration period. From June 27 to July 3, Chelsea are allowed to add players to their CWV roster, including new signings, on the condition they haven’t already featured for another team at the tournament.
This would rule out Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who is reliably believed to be closing in on a move to Chelsea, but Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande could link up with the squad if they advance on a deal for the Ivorian.
Chelsea looking to negotiate cut-price Ousmane Diomande move
TEAMtalk reported in the last few days that Maresca is a “huge fan” of Diomande and has him near the top of Chelsea’s target list for defenders.
Ousmane Diomande in action for Sporting in the Primeira Liga.
The 21-year-old’s contract includes a £68 million release clause too, but according to an update from CaughtOffside, the west Londoners don’t fancy paying this fee.
Indeed, it is believed that Chelsea are “looking to negotiate” a lower fee with Sporting to sign Diomande, and they reiterate how convinced Maresca is by the African defender’s quality.
They’re said to be “very” keen on signing the Primeira Liga starlet, and Sporting are open to considering a bid slightly beneath his clause. However, amid interest from Newcastle United and Real Madrid, Maresca faces stiff competition for one of his top targets.
Liverpool have now submitted a “concrete offer” to sign a teenage centre-back from Ligue 1, say reports in the player’s homeland of Morocco.
Liverpool expected to complete Wirtz and Kerkez deals
Liverpool appear to be close to capturing not one but two new players in the coming days. Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door to become Arne Slot’s second and third signings of the summer.
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The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool’s latest Wirtz bid, which was worth £109 million, was turned down by Leverkusen, as they hold out for a British-record fee of £126 million, but a deal is still expected to go through.
And Wirtz appears to have implied things are progressing on his own social media accounts too, posting on Instagram to deny reports he has demanded Alexis Mac Allister’s number ten shirt in order to join.
As Liverpool work on finding an agreement with Leverkusen, club chiefs are also closing in on a deal for a new left-back. According to Sky Sports, the Reds are growing increasingly confident that they will sign Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The Hungary star is keen on the move to Anfield and personal terms are not said to be an issue.
Liverpool submit official bid for teenage centre-back
The Reds don’t plan on stopping there, as according to Morocco’s LE360 Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have now made a concrete offer to sign defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal from Stade Rennais.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Amiens in Ligue 2, has yet to make his senior debut for Stade Rennais, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool and Newcastle United from showing significant interest. The Magpies have met with the player already, but the Reds have gone one step further and have already made an offer, though it is unclear what the offer is worth.
OGC Nice and two teams from La Liga are also in the ‘picture’ when it comes to signing Aït Boudlal. The Moroccan is under contract until 2028, but given the significant interest from Europe, it appears his time in Rennes is coming to an end.
Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal’s 24/25 Ligue 2 stats
Apps
9
Starts
8
Assists
1
Big chances created
1
Interceptions per game
0.7
Tackles per game
1.6
Balls recovered per game
3.6
Clearances per game
7.9
Liverpool’s interest in Aït Boudlal isn’t new, as club scout Kyle Wallbanks was in attendance for the AFCON U20 tournament, where Aït Boudlal helped Morocco reach the final. The Reds have obviously been keeping a close eye on the defender and are now ready to bring him to Anfield.
Newcastle United will be looking to do just one thing this summer and that is making sure Alexander Isak is still part of their squad when the summer transfer window closes.
The Swede has enjoyed yet another fruitful campaign in the North East and securing Champions League football will do Eddie Howe’s prospects of keeping him – at least for another season – no harm at all.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
The Magpies have a rich history of towering, magnificent centre-forwards throughout their history. From Hughie Gallacher to Jackie Milburn. Malcolm Macdonald to Alan Shearer. Every generation of Newcastle supporters has had the privilege of seeing a proper number nine lead the line for the club.
Since Shearer’s retirement, things looked bleak on that front for a few years. That was until Isak joined the Toon in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of £63m.
This was a club-record fee, but over the previous three seasons, the former Borussia Dortmund starlet has more than repaid the faith shown in him by Howe, that’s for sure.
Alexander Isak has been one of Newcastle’s finest signings
Bringing Isak to the club was a major statement of intent by Howe, especially as the club were looking at playing in the Champions League.
Injuries restricted him to just 27 appearances during his maiden campaign at St James’ Park, but he still managed to score ten Premier League goals while chipping in with three assists.
Last season, the Magpies made the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition. Isak may have scored a solitary goal in that campaign, but his overall tally of 25 was the most he had recorded in a single season at club level.
Not someone to be content with that output, the Swedish hitman has only gone and bettered that this season.
At the time of writing, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 27 times in all competitions, but the striker is offering more than just goals to this Newcastle side.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Indeed, when compared to his peers in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, Isak ranks in the top 3% for successful take-on percentage (47.7%), in the top 10% for touches in the attacking penalty area (6.28) and in the top 15% for goal-creating actions (0.47) per 90.
Add in the fact that he has recorded six assists for the Toon in the league this term, and it proves just how much he has developed his game.
If Newcastle do qualify for the Champions League, Howe will be determined to reach the knockout stages. In order to do so, however, he must spend this summer in a bid to improve his squad.
Alexander Isak’s PL stats since joining Newcastle
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
10
21
23
Assists
1
2
6
Shots per game
2.3
2.6
2.9
Goal conversion percentage
20%
27%
24%
Scoring frequency (minutes)
152
108
116
Via Sofascore
A lack of depth, especially in key attacking positions, is worrying. Could a move for a Bundesliga starlet change that?
Newcastle plotting move for Borussia Dortmund star
Anthony Gordon may be Howe’s main source of goals and assists from the wing, but it is evident that another top-class talent is required to take the club to the next level.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have sent scouts to monitor Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, who has a reported release clause of £50m, as they plot a move to sign the England U21 international.
If the club fails to qualify for the Champions League next season, this fee will fall, opening the door for several clubs to make an offer.
There is no doubt that he wants to play at the top level of European competition, which means Howe will be desperate for his side to finish in the top five.
If so, signing a talent like Gittens would be a huge statement of intent. Furthermore, the young winger would also be a dream signing for Isak.
Why Newcastle must sign Jamie Gittens
Since Niko Kovac began his tenure at Dortmund, it is obvious that Gittens doesn’t quite fit in with his tactical plans.
This means he could be on the move in the summer and, if Howe has the necessary funds, it is a deal that must be a top priority for the club.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
The Englishman has already played over 100 competitive matches for the German giants, scoring 17 goals and grabbing 14 assists in the process.
Like compatriots Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham before him, Gittens could certainly be the next massive English talent to depart Dortmund for a move abroad.
After he scored the first Champions League goal of his career in November 2022, Statman Dave hailed the winger as a “wonderkid” and it was hard to argue.
Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, using Dortmund as a potential stepping stone for a move to the Premier League.
Although his displays haven’t been as good as hoped since Kovac took charge, Gittens still ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.58) and in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.49) per 90 when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues.
These statistics show that the youngster is highly effective at beating his man and taking the ball into the final third, which is why he could be a dream for Isak.
He has also created six big chances in the German top flight while averaging 0.7 key passes per game. Again, yet more evidence of why he would be an excellent signing for Isak next season, because he can create high-quality chances for the striker to put away.
The most important aspect for Howe is that Gittens still has plenty of development to do. He is by no means the finished article. Playing alongside stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Isak will only help him take the next step in his career.
Transfer Focus
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Gittens is a man in high demand this summer and with Dortmund looking like they are open to selling, the Magpies could face stiff competition for the Englishman when the window opens.
Finishing in the top five of the league table is therefore imperative to their hopes of landing the talented winger. If not, then the club will likely miss the boat on Gittens.
Newcastle now eyeing "unplayable" once-£100m player as cheap loan signing
He could be such an exciting addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.
Manchester City are thought to have made an offer for a “crazy” young talent, also receiving a reply, according to a fresh transfer claim.
Man City's Champions League hopes boosted with win over Crystal Palace
There is no question that this has been a season to forget for Pep Guardiola’s side, following a meek defence of their Premier League title, with age catching up with certain players and injuries to key figures not helping, especially the ACL damage suffered by Rodri.
That’s not to say that the campaign is dead in the water, however, with an FA Cup semi-final meeting with Nottingham Forest on the horizon and Champions League qualification still more than possible in the league, with the top five getting a place in Europe’s top club competition.
Man City
On Saturday afternoon, Guardiola’s men secured an important and impressive 5-2 victory at home to Crystal Palace, having initially gone 2-0 down in the first half. That result, coupled with Forest losing 1-0 to Everton at the City Ground, means City are now only two points behind Nuno Espirito Santo’s third-place team.
When the summer window arrives, the Citizens are expecting to bring in a host of new signings, in order to add some freshness to a squad that feels tired. While current stars will be required to be an instant hit at the Etihad, young players also need to be looked at, and an update has dropped regarding one talented starlet.
Man City table offer for "crazy" young player
According to The Star and reliable reporter Sheffield Wednesday reporter Joe Crann, Manchester City have seen an offer for Owls teenage attacker Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri turned down by the Championship club.
The 15-year-old is a top talent with a bright future in the game, with the Premier League champions seeing him as an exciting option to snap up. The bid in question is claimed to be a “seven-figure sum”, summing up his potential, however, it has been rejected.
Not many City fans will know much about Cadamarteri, which is understandable given his age, but he is a bright prospect who could develop further at the club’s elite academy that has spawned the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.
"Special" Man City star now willing to take pay cut to complete shock move
He could be one of many to leave.
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The young Wednesday striker, dubbed “crazy” for his recent rapid rise, has won two caps for England’s Under-16s and his self-confidence is outlined by the social media post from him below, having scored five goals in the same game for the Owls at youth team level over the weekend:
For now, City will have to weigh up whether they should improve their offer for Cadamarteri or not, but the Owls have made it perfectly clear how much they value him by turning down a hefty bid in the first place.